Underrated/Overrated: Restaurants Edition

[Sean91]

Have to totally agree on the Turf Club - had several wonderful dinners there, both food and service. Only reason I didn't say it was because even thought it was in my mind, somebody said Olivia's, and I decided to pick that, since we could only pick 1, but again - totally agree!

I honestly think that some restaurants fall pray to my expectations, I expected brilliant meals at BOG and Yachtsman and both of them disappointed for one reason or another. I wasn't exactly looking forward to Turf Club because I'm not a huge steak eater but was obligated to go because most people in our party where huge on steak and it was one of my favourites. Same kind of thing at Trails End at Wilderness Lodge actually, we got a last minute reservation there, the food was good but the service was exceptional, we stuck back after our meal to speak to the manager just to praise the wonderful server we had.

 

[disneymath]

Based on our most recent trip ...

Over-rated ... 50s Prime Time: food was ok but not awesome, took a long time to be seated, server was over-the-top in character but started off by making a "big production" out of my 7 year old nephew's tree-nut allergy. (Fortunately, the server quickly caught our looks of dismay and my nephew's look of nervousness, apologized and switched gears, but it was still a bit of a sour note to start on.)

Under-rated ... Mara at AKL: food was very tasty and there were some great options not typical of most QS places (chicken pita and cous cous salad was one of the meals I most enjoyed all trip), plus it wasn't busy.

 

[disneysteve]

started off by making a "big priduction" out of my 7 year old nephew's tree-nut allergy

Seriously? That's awful! I would have been complaining to management about that. They should never be joking or singling people out for having a food allergy. We've always been very impressed by how well Disney handles that issue.

 

[disneymath]

Seriously? That's awful! I would have been complaining to management about that. They should never be joking or singling people out for having a food allergy. We've always been very impressed by how well Disney handles that issue.

We're pretty sure he just lost himself in the moment, and he was sincerely apologetic .... but yeah, of all the things he could have chosen to make a joke about, that's what he chose.

To be clear, he didn't make fun of my nephew, but singled him out by announcing to anyone within earshot "we have an allergy", he then yelled to ask a hostess if she had eaten any nuts that day, and when she replied yes, his punchline was "well, no kissing this kid then". (Honestly, it seems worse in type than it was, but we were all definitely caught off guard.)

That said, in terms of actually dealing with my nephew's order, the server was very on the ball and courteous (as was every other server we encountered).

 

[disneysteve]

We're pretty sure he just lost himself in the moment, and he was sincerely apologetic .... but yeah, of all the things he could have chosen to make a joke about, that's what he chose.

To be clear, he didn't make fun of my nephew, but singled him out by announcing to anyone within earshot "we have an allergy", he then yelled to ask a hostess if she had eaten any nuts that day, and when she replied yes, his punchline was "well, no kissing this kid then". (Honestly, it seems worse in type than it was, but we were all definitely caught off guard.)

That said, in terms of actually dealing with my nephew's order, the server was very on the ball and courteous (as was every other server we encountered).

I can see what he was trying to accomplish but it still sounds like it was in poor taste, especially with a young child. It would probably be funnier/more acceptable for an adult guest.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Under-rated ... Mara at AKL: food was very tasty and there were some great options not typical of most QS places (chicken pita and cous cous salad was one of the meals I most enjoyed all trip), plus it wasn't busy.

Agree on Mara! I had some awesome carrot ginger soup there (that I probably never would have tried), and some other great lunch items, and you're right - always had a seat, either inside or out. And you can get zebra domes there, without going to Boma!

 

[gmboy95]

Based on our most recent trip ...

Over-rated ... 50s Prime Time: food was ok but not awesome, took a long time to be seated, server was over-the-top in character but started off by making a "big priduction" out of my 7 year old nephew's tree-nut allergy. (Fortunately, the server quickly caught our looks of dismay and my nephew's look of nervousness, apologized and switched gears, but it was still a bit of a sour note to start on.)

Under-rated ... Mara at AKL: food was very tasty and there were some great options not typical of most QS places (chicken pita and cous cous salad was one of the meals I most enjoyed all trip), plus it wasn't busy.

For me what makes 50's prime time worth it is the atmosphere, and it never feels like you are losing your shirt like you do at other in-park places

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I'm loving this thread for bringing up more underrated places. I don't think I have honestly ever even heard of The Turf Club (my wife doesn't eat beef or pork so we typically don't seek out steakhouses, but still)

 

[NuttyDisneyDad]

So we had never eaten at Chef Mickey's but decided to this last trip (thinking if the rumors were true that character meal costs were going to go way up, this was the time to do it) - but was fully prepared to be disappointed but I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. The food was all hot and fresh tasting and some of it was really tasty (the short ribs with polenta and the ribs were rather good, lots of good desserts, etc.).

I mean, it's not Victoria and Alberts but was so much better than I was thinking it would be (though perhaps it was a case of lowered expectations)

woo hoo thank you! I get quite annoyed when Chef Mickeys keeps getting trashed and trashed and trashed...i think the food is quite good and you cant beat the atmosphere

 

[disneysteve]

you cant beat the atmosphere

I suppose that's a matter of personal preference. I find Chef Mickey's to be ridiculously loud and chaotic. I think anywhere on the concourse is like that. We ate at the Contempo Cafe a few weeks ago and that was also very loud (although not chaotic).

 

[Petit_Rose]

Disneyland Paris is my closest park and the one I frequent the most.

Underrated: Walt's - It was literally AMAZING. The best service and the meal was exquisite, the view from the restaurant was wonderful and the decor is spot on for the theming.

Overrated: L'auberge de Cendrillon. The food was OK, the service wasn't so great, there was an incident that I felt was so not 'Disney' that I actually complained to management when we got home and it broke my heart. I'm hoping the next time we go it'll be much better and I want to give it another chance.

 

[racefans44]

Underrated - Trail's End for dinner. If you like buffets, this is the place to try. Fresh and tasty food and the price is very reasonable, by Disney stands.

Overrated - Chef Mickey's. Crowded, loud and not very clean. The character interactions are great though.

 

[gr8leg8]

Underrated: Chimi Changa's - favorite snack food

Overrated: CRT - disclaimer it has been 6 years, but yuck!

 

[NeuroCindy]

I suppose that's a matter of personal preference. I find Chef Mickey's to be ridiculously loud and chaotic. I think anywhere on the concourse is like that. We ate at the Contempo Cafe a few weeks ago and that was also very loud (although not chaotic).

Yep! I've watched the videos of Chef Mickey's and it gives me anxiety. I can't imagine eating a meal there.

 

[pjweaver]

I'm late to the party, but I'll chime in.

Underrated - Breakfast at Garden Grill & Tusker House. They're like Chef Mickey's but less crowded and offer other choices. I believe they are cheaper too, and easy to get into.

Overrated - Be Our Guest. It is the best sit down in MK and the dining rooms are beautiful, but everyone puts it as a must do so ADRs at 179 days out are impossible. Remember that people were selling ADRs and Disney had to step in? The food is good and service better than average, but at $50 and up per person I could find better options. Considering the price, quality, headache, difficulty to eat here this is my definition of overrated (though my list could fill a book here).

 

[Princesca]

I'm insulted that in a comment about pizzas you didn't mention Chicago.

Those are casseroles!

 

[NeuroCindy]

Those are casseroles!

This is a casserole?

 

[Princesca]

Overrated: Cali Grill. I went there once, and I don't know that I'll go back. It felt crowded, and loud, and the food, while good, wasn't worth the price tag. I felt I had just as good a meal at the last Morton's I went to, and that was the three-course prix fixe for $30.

Underrated: Mama Melrose. I have seen some scathing reviews, but I thought it was delicious. Nice portions, served hot, super friendly wait staff, good selection available.

 

[Princesca]

This is a casserole?

No, but to be fair, that isn't what most people think of when they hear Chicago-style pizza. Demonstrated by putting that into Google image search and the first gazillion pics coming up this, which IS a casserole.

 

[Princesca]

But jeez now I really want pizza. Or pizza casserole. Either would be great!